Just eight weeks prior that Morgan Rogers stood on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused while Unai Emery berated him for not reading a pass in behind. During that period, with the team went six without a win, it wasn't clear whether Rogers' form were an indicator or the reason of the side's broader struggles.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
On Sunday, though, the sideline response was much more joyous. As the England international swept in his brace-sealing goal to restore Villa's lead, the boss tore off his winter coat, spread his arms and shouted in triumph. Villa were on their way to ten wins in a row and despite not winning their opening six fixtures, find themselves only three points behind the leaders Arsenal.
Is Aston Villa Legitimate Hopefuls?
That’s a particularly tough question to resolve. History, the traditional standing of this institution, indicates otherwise. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, even as the wins have accumulated.
According to statistical analysis, in only two games has the team posted an expected goals figure notably superior than the opposition. For a club which has just won a ten-match winning streak, they seem weirdly vulnerable – however right now the fine lines are swinging for them.
The Rogers Recipe
The current approach looks like to exchange chances with the opposition and then rely on their talisman to rescue them with some precise efforts. This was the case against Leeds, it transpired in London, and once more against the Red Devils.
His opener came from a superb shot, arced precisely inside the goal frame from the edge of the area. His brace-completing goal acted as a somewhat messier replica of goal number one capitalizing on an Ollie Watkins lay-off.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Is It Sustainable?
Reason suggests otherwise. During the latest victory, the opposition had more shots and more efforts on goal. Villa have won each of their last eight by just one goal. They have allowed goals in all but one of those matches.
A statistical correction could be the biggest rival Villa must confront over the coming weeks. Their key man, surely, cannot keep on blasting the ball into the top corner week in, week out.
A Case for Belief
Maybe there exists another reality where, instead of luck running out, performances begin to trend towards results. Vital cogs might still find their top level.
- The main striker might resume finding the net regularly.
- The attacking talent may rediscover the performer he was at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to return from injury, bolstering a periodically leaky backline.
This could contain the potential of a title challenge, but they surely cannot keep relying on a single individual.
Savoring the Moment
Yet, this was unforeseen. Nobody thought Villa would sit in the top three for the holidays. And most definitely back in October, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be leading a hunt for the title while looking like a crucial player for the national team.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed precisely because it appears so improbable. When Rogers faced the home supporters after the match orchestrating the applause, it was clear to be relishing every moment. A feeling he has rightly earned. These runs of form are rare in football and ought to be celebrated.
